New DPV - Dive Xtras

[DA Aquamaster]

I assume that each different size battery has a different weight. How much does this affect the scooter buoyancy? I assume the larger batteries make the scooter heavier, or do you add internal ballast when using smaller batteries?

The 9 Ah and 12 Ah have the same weight and form factor and require less ballast.

For the smaller batteries you can add more ballast the scooter to achieve neutral buoyancy and level trim. Obviously the weight out of the water will be the same regardless of the batteries chosen, when the scooter is weighted to be neutral in the water.

You also have the option of weighting the scooter slightly positive or slightly negative, depending on your preferences and intended use.

There is a compartment in the nose cone to hold the ballast, as well as ample room in the tube even with 9Ah or 12Ah batteries installed.

 

[johndiver999]

Wow, thanks! Having the flexibility to fine tune the buoyancy and getting it right where you want it, regardless of the battery used is a big benefit.

 

[jale]

Hi
Thanks for the details.
Just one thing: are these Dewalt batteries a real international generic system or an US perception of an international generic system?
Or in another way, can I really find a similar battery system outside the US?

 

[nickbutcher]

Hi
Thanks for the details.
Just one thing: are these Dewalt batteries a real international generic system or an US perception of an international generic system?
Or in another way, can I really find a similar battery system outside the US?

They're widely available in the UK and, I assume, everywhere else.

 

[ben.mcgeever]

Its important to understand that the Blacktip can NEVER be adjusted to achieve level trim. You can make it neutral but never trim. That's just one of the design consequences of a $1499 scooter, low overall weight and size, with this level of power. I'm sure you could design one to be trim if this was a primary driver, but for us that was a compromise we made to keep the rest of the scooter small and simple.
Our test divers have been diving the scooter a little bit negative, because then you can make it float trim when you hold the handle, but as soon as you release the handle it goes nose up.
Due to the multitude of battery options we cant ship the scooter optimized for everyone, so most people will need to tweak the weighting.

 

[ben.mcgeever]

Hi
Thanks for the details.
Just one thing: are these Dewalt batteries a real international generic system or an US perception of an international generic system?
Or in another way, can I really find a similar battery system outside the US?

We chose them as, as far as we are aware, the most international of all the tool companies, and they were the first company to achieve a power density that was competitive with a custom built pack. I've had no problem sourcing them in Europe and Australia, but haven't done a worldwide search.

 

[JohnnyC]

Just saw the "specs" video. That thumb button trigger makes me sad. Thumb triggers suck, especially when it's a button.

DeWalt batteries are probably the most widely proliferated tool battery around the world. It makes sense.

 

[jale]

Thanks for your answer.

We chose them as, as far as we are aware, the most international of all the tool companies, and they were the first company to achieve a power density that was competitive with a custom built pack. I've had no problem sourcing them in Europe and Australia, but haven't done a worldwide search.

 

[rng]

How does "boost" mode work?

 

[ben.mcgeever]

At the higher speeds , 7 & 8, the current draw is quite high and if you ran at these speeds continuously you would overheat the motor or the electronics. To prevent this happening the scooter with start to throttle back the scooter after a period of time. In speed 8 this time is typically 7 min. In speed 7 its much longer. If you come off the trigger for a few min, everything cools and you get another 7 min. If you never stay in speed 8 for longer than 7 min, you will never notice its there. If you stay on the trigger in speed 8 and never let up, the scooter will slow you down to somewhere between 6 & 7. For most people, I doubt they will ever notice it, as 7 min in speed 8 is quite a lot of scootering